Admiral James M. Loy, US Department of Homeland Security
Date: May 2007
To whom it may concern,
This recognizes the extraordinary services of Dermot Buckley. We were a party of four adults (one with a cast on her leg) that Dermot drove around Ireland for two weeks.
He added immeasurably to the sucess of our trip. First, in his role as a driver, he was efficient, knowledge and conscious first and always for our safety. Irish roads often left a bit to be desired, and he navigated them without incident thruout the two weeks.
Second, he added a great menu of opportunities daily.
We had planned our trip carefully and had a good idea as to what we wanted to do and see. Dermot offered each morning a game plan for the day that included all of our ideas and then offered several others that could be worked into the day because of his depth knowledge of his homeland.
Each day was played out with a great combination of planned and impulse events or places that we encountered.
Lastly, Dermot was an endless source of historical context, answers to our endless questions and even personal suggestions for us to consider.
He never tried to insist we do things, only to offer a menu from which we could fill the day. He suggested ideas as to sights, pubs and restaurants and soon grew to know our tastes and expectations.
All in all, I recommend Dermot Buckley highly as a proud Irish driver. His integrity, work ethic and performance causes me to offer this testimonial without reservation and there is no doubt that I will call Dermot when we return to Ireland.
USJames M. Loy
Admiral, US Coast Guard (Ret)
Deputy Secretary
US Department of Homeland Security